Homemade CHEVRE...Goat Cheese..Easiest Way

goat cheese is good ANY time of the day...

ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S HOMEMADE !

FRESH HOMEMADE CHEVRE

has to be the easiest cheese to make!

1 gallon of goat milk

make sure your milk is NOT "ultra" pasteurized

these are the instructions and cultures i use.  

from the NEW ENGLAND CHEESEMAKING SUPPLY Co.

it works perfect EVERY time !

BIG shout out to my pals at New England Cheesemaking Supply

(please read instructions included with cultures)
slowly heat goat milk to 86 F degrees
add cultures, let re-hydrate 2 min.... stir.
cover let sit overnight at 72 F degrees for 12-14 hours and you should have beautiful curds like these.



MY FAVORITE PART...THE CURDS

strain in thin muslin cloth or a few layers of cheesecloth.  this should take a few hours.  i prefer muslin.  it's a lot easier to work with.  i like to go in and stir this away from the sides so it strains quicker and you can see what your consistency is.

OR...you can hang it.

at this point you add the salt and mix it around.
TASTE TEST!
i use 1 to 1 1/4 tsp fine sea salt.  careful with the salt...if it strains more it will intensify.  you can always ADD, but you can not take away.  sometimes i add fresh dried rosemary to all or half.
let it strain until you like the consistency.
NOTE...don't toss ALL the whey (liquid).  you might need to add some back in if your finished product is too dry or chalky...ie.  if it strained too long
REMEMBER...it will thicken when chilled

yield is almost 2 pounds.
i think for this last one i got 11.15 oz.  i like mine to be spreadable so it yields a bit more, but you don't want it too mushy.  if it strains too long and gets chalky, you can mix in some of the "whey" that has strained out.

you can make this fabulous Lemon Rosemary Goat Cheese Cake
you will be so proud telling friends that YOU made the 11 oz of fresh goat cheese that went into this beautiful light tangy Goat Cheese.

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Dark Chocolate Goat Cheese Pink Peppercorn Truffles

sounds like an unlikely pair...

GOAT CHEESE and CHOCOLATE ?

beware...

this is not your typical truffle...

THAT'S WHY IT'S SO GOOD !

it totally works.

i don't know what brought this combo to mind, but here's another  example of a bright idea that came to me in the middle of the night...

i get out of bed to google the ingredients in the dark and WHAM !

there it is, plain as day...

IT'S BEEN DONE

so i figured i'd give them a try anyway, but i had to change it up.

dried apricots?...nectarine preserves?...rosemary?

how about PINK PEPPERCORNS ?

thanks to pal, Chef Lisa

perfect...quite delicious, out of the ordinary and i bet you've never had anything like it.

the chocolate hits first, then there's just a slight tang from the goat cheese.  the pink peppercorns really brighten it up with a spicy floral taste and aroma.  this might be a great addition to a first course?...who says all appetizers need to be savory?

served with after dinner cheese ?

i know you could find a great wine pairing.

oh...just eat them...

there's really no need to worry about what to do with them, 

they'll be gone before you figure it out.

NOTE...i will say again...

this truffle is NOT for "the pansy palate" Hershey's milk chocolate eaters.  these are for one who is a bit more adventurous with chocolate and also adores the sweet tang of a fresh goat cheese.

GOAT CHEESE PINK PEPPERCORN TRUFFLES

adapted from Foodnetwork.com recipe by George Duran

6 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped

6 oz. fresh goat cheese, at room temperature

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup cocoa powder

pink peppercorns, crushed... at least 1 tsp, but more will be needed for the pink skins

NOTE...about pink peppercorns...i did not get a final measurement because i kept adding a bit in.  i crushed about 1 tsp.  some of the corns were too big so i sifted them through a mesh strainer.  i added quite a it more of the pink skin than the pepper itself.  if you want more pepper flavor i suggest using a pepper mill and adding to taste...as i did.

in a double boiler, melt the chocolate until smooth, no lumps.  this can be done with careful attention in the microwave.  use short 30 second, then 20 second increments and stir in between until just melted...then stir to incorporate smaller lumps.

set the melted chocolate aside and deal with other ingredients.

in a bowl...i used my Kitchenaid, whisk together the goat cheese, sugar and vanilla until it is light and fluffy.  now whisk in the melted chocolate until it is well combined.  chill in the fridge.  original says to cover this, but you don't want to get ANY condensation on the chocolate.  chill until firm, about 1 hour or until ready to use.

when ready, put on some thin rubber gloves and start rolling.  i find it easy to spoon out a few clumps and mold it into a ball then roll it between your palms.  drop into cocoa powder and coat.

NOTE...since i used my Kitchenaid mixer for the job, my truffle mixture came out quite light.  had i gone any further i could have made a lovely frosting...not a bad idea for a lovely deep dark chocolate layered cake...?

my truffle mixture was quite stiff.  even at room temp.  so they DO HOLD UP WELL.  the texture is not as creamy as my regular truffles.  BUT...they do melt in your mouth with a very smooth texture.  a chocolatier friend of mine says it could be due to the texture of the goat cheese.

keep in mind this is unlike any other truffle,

BUT, as always...

it's a darn good ball o' chocolate !

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Goat Cheese Pound Cake

yesss...another pound cake

but not your typical pound cake.

this one is heavy, smooth and dense...

with a 1/2 pound of goat cheese.

the recipe comes from Westfield Farms.  they know their goat cheese.  that's all they do.  they make award winning goat cheese.  check out their list of cheeses.  boy, would i like to get a hold of one of those Classic Blue Logs?!  maybe i'll have to visit their farm sometime...

in my opinion...this one might be on the brink of a perfection as far as texture goes.  mind you it's a bit heavy, but i side on heavy dense smooth tight crumb.

this is definitely dense.  all that creaminess from the goat cheese holds this together with a wonderful smooth texture.

if you're one of those that like a lighter more delicate cake...?   this is not for you.

i do, however, hope you give it a try.  friends and family were pleasantly surprised.  some were a little sceptical when i said "goat cheese" and "pound cake" in the same sentence, but presented as a little sandwich with some homemade jam for a tester ?...

they loved it...

the goat cheese is faint...just a whisper, but it's there...personally, i was hoping for more of a shout because i love goat cheese.  i love goat yogurt.  i love goat as in Moroccan Goat Stew...as a matter of fact i have some homemade goat cheese hanging in the fridge right now.  i wish i would have been able to use it for this cake...maybe next time.

maybe "next time" the  goat cheese will be from my own goat in the back yard...

so many ways to serve a pound cake, but this one is perfect with

fresh fig, a drizzle of honey and maybe a dollop of fresh whipped cream which i didn't have on hand...deeelish. 

i actually made this cake with a new jam in mind...sweet and savory fig shallot was my goal, but i just couldn't find enough good figs to save my life.  i'll try the farmer's market next weekend, but time is running short on fig season.

GOAT CHEESE POUND CAKE

from Westfield Farms

8 oz. goat cheese

3/4 lb. butter

2 cups sugar

pinch of salt

1 1/2 tsp lemon zest

1/2 lemon juice, about 1 1/2 Tbsp.

2 tsp vanilla bean paste

6 eggs

3 cups flour

put the cheese, butter and eggs out to get to room temperature.

preheat oven to 325 F degrees.

butter and flour  your choice of cooking vessel

i used 2 medium loaf tins plus 3 silicone cupcakes.  the recipe calls for a 10 inch tube pan

cream the goat cheese and butter in a stand mixer.  add the sugar, salt, lemon juice, zest and vanilla.  beat until the mixture is very light.  add the eggs, one at a time and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.   reduce the speed of the mixer to low and add flour, beat until just mixed.  spoon batter into a 10 inch tube pan...or i used 2 medium loaf pans.

bake for 1 1/4 hour...mine took 55-60 minutes in the loaf pans and 20-25 minutes in the silicon cupcake molds.  remove cake from oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes.  remove from pans and let cake cool completely.  as i like to suggest...let the cake rest for 1 day, but if you've got TWO...then dig into one while it's a bit warm...maybe you'll enjoy the whole thing, but you'll have a spare for another day.

made 2 medium loaf pans and 3 silicon cupcake molds...not shown

You have read this article bread / breakfast / cake / dessert / goat with the title goat. You can bookmark this page URL https://caucasiancurry.blogspot.com/2012/08/goat-cheese-pound-cake.html. Thanks!

Homemade Creamy Goat Ricotta

i must admit i have never had much interest in ricotta cheese...until NOW!  i don't cook lasagna, cannoli, ravioli, blinis, blintzes, or too many cheesy things.  i'd rather partake in cheeses with a bit more flavor, like Saint Agur or Saint Andre, Cambazola...or a Triple Cream Goat Brie...just to name a few.  BUT i was watching Alex Guarneschelli's show about one of her favorite decadent breakfast ideas.  the show about homemade sausage, warm pop-overs, fresh peach preserves AND this homemade fresh ricotta.  she made it all look sooooo good and soooo easy i had to give it a try.

you know me...always with a twist....
I'LL USE GOAT MILK

i love making cheese and yogurts...

 there's something so fabulous about a fresh cheese hanging in the kitchen.

even when the day isn't going as planned i know i'm doing something right when cheese is hanging or yogurt is in the corner nestling under a bundle of towels.

i've made quite a few dairy products in my day...  goat cheese and Skyr (Icelandic yogurt) are my favorites... mozzarella is my downfall...just can't get it right,

BUT i have redeemed my Italian cheese making with this ricotta.  it is so easy and it's really soooo creamy and delicious.  it goes with just about any breakfast bread you can think of...muffins, pancakes, waffles, bagels, etc.... now i'll put ricotta on anything.   i DO, however,  have the slightest feeling it IS quite fattening, but i give myself a hall pass when it comes to calcium and protein rich foods...

who am i kidding...? 

NOW I'M IN LOVE WITH THIS RICOTTA !!!

I'VE BEEN EATING IT PLAIN WITH A BIG SPOON!

i'm not the slightest bit ashamed to admit i went out and bought these carrot muffins at my favorite Mexican bakery just to slather this dreamy creamy goat ricotta on each bite.

i might not have baked the muffins, but i sure did make the ricotta and proud of it...you will be to.

HOMEMADE CREAMIEST GOAT RICOTTA
adapted from Alex Guarnaschelli.  i changed it slightly because i had 4 cups of goat milk.  check original for comments from other happy ricotta makers.

1 cup heavy cream
4 cups goat milk
2 cups buttermilk
1/2 tsp salt...to your taste

in a sauce pan, bring cream, milk, buttermilk to a simmer over medium heat.  start slow so as not to scald the milk on the bottom.  stir lightly.  when it starts to reach 175 F try not to stir.   as it heats to a full simmer you will see solids start to rise and the top begin to form a "raft".  do not stir in.  the "raft" happened at 210 F degrees for me.  turn off the heat and allow to sit for 20 minutes.

line a strainer with 4-5 layers of cheese cloth.  use a large spoon to scoop the solids from the surface into the strainer.  slowly pour the remainder, very gently, over the solids in the strainer, allowing the liquid to flow through  the strainer.   if the strainer gets too full, just wait for a few minutes to finish pouring.  if it doesn't seem to be draining very much at all, carefully run a spoon along the bottom of the cheese cloth to allow liquid to drain.  when all is in the strainer, let sit this way for 30-45 minutes or until you think you can pick up the corners and tie up as shown in photos.  i let mine drain in tied up pouch for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.  my end result is so delicious and creamy kind of like a whipped cream cheese.  you can let it hang for as long as you want to get the consistency you are looking for.  remember it will thicken in the cold fridge and it's better to err on the side of moist rather than dry and stiff.  you can always strain it more later by setting it in a bowl with paper towels and more moisture will be drawn out.  i don't cook lasagna, but i think you might want it a little on the thicker side for that and other recipes.
when done, transfer to a clean bowl and stir in some salt.  i usually get about 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 cups creamy moist ricotta and i use about 1/2 tsp salt.  taste test before putting the whole 1/2 tsp in.

NOTE...i forgot to add that this makes about 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 cup depending on how long you hang the cheese and how thick you like it.

OR...flavor with fresh herbs like chives, dill, rosemary, thyme...
serve with a drizzle of olive oil or i've seen it with honey...
this stuff is fabulous on anything!

You have read this article cheese / dairy / goat / spread with the title goat. You can bookmark this page URL https://caucasiancurry.blogspot.com/2012/07/homemade-creamy-goat-ricotta.html. Thanks!

Lemon Goat Cheese Cake ...Incredibly delicious

LEMON GOAT CHEESE CAKE

this cake is unbelievably delicious !

absolutely my favorite dessert this year...and now one of my all time favorites.

light, fresh, moist and lemony with just a hint of tang from the goat cheese.  not like a regular cheesecake because it's not so dense...not like a cake because it has no crumble...it's just that perfect balance that doesn't fill you up, but doesn't leave you hanging.  a fabulous dessert for a late Summer Sunday brunch or after a heavy BBQ extravaganza.  

i've been making Homemade Goat Cheese lately and was searching around for any and all things "goatie", i came across this recipe from a fellow blogger named Kate at Food Babbles.  she has a fabulous blog and she is one of those much needed foodies that gives incredibly easy instructions with photos as you go...no room for error.  i diligently followed along and the result was this fabulous cheese cakie treat...

AND, i must add, being able to use some of my homemade goat cheese sent it over the top in my book.

by the way...goat cheese is one of the easiest cheeses to make...you just need the right stuff.  i've put in the link.  have a look and give it a try.

GOAT CHEESE CAKE

normally i would to say "adapted from", but in this case i did not change a thing.  i have printed out the ingredients and instructions so you can get a quick overview, BUT i really think you should visit Kate at Food Babbles to get the full photo low-down.  follow her step by step and you will have complete success as i did.  many many thanks to Kate

11 oz. goat cheese (see Homemade Goat Cheese if you want to go the extra mile)

3/4 cup granulated sugar, plus more for dusting pan

finely minced lemon zest from 1 lemon

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp vanilla extract

6 egg yolks at room temp.

6 egg whites at room temp.

3 Tbsp flour.

preheat the oven to 350 F degrees.  butter a 9" spring form pan and dust the inside with granulated sugar...don't skip this.

mix together cheese, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla...beat until smooth.

mix in egg yolks, one at a time at low speed.

next, add the flour.

in another CLEAN bowl beat the egg whites until peaks form.

gently fold whites into goat cheese mixture...make sure you don't over mix.

spread the batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until tester comes out clean.

cool on a wire rack

once cake is completely cooled, refrigerate until chilled

this cake is fabulous as-is with a few fresh berries...for some i added a little dollop of blueberry preserves and fresh thyme.  Kate dressed hers up with a yummy raspberry sauce.

any way you serve this i guarantee you and your guests will be pleasantly sated

You have read this article cake / cheese / dairy / dessert / goat / lemon / sweet / sweets 'n treats with the title goat. You can bookmark this page URL https://caucasiancurry.blogspot.com/2011/08/lemon-goat-cheese-cake-incredibly.html. Thanks!

CHEVRE...Real Goat Cheese

CHEVRE...aka Goat Cheese

finally, i have mastered the real deal.

i received the best compliment i could imagine...

"this tastes just like the cheese we had in Paris"

my obsession with cheese and yogurts has not subsided...yet.
there is something sooooo satisfying about making your own dairy products.  i'm asked all the time,
"why don't you just buy it?"...
 i love the whole science of it and the smell of cheese and yogurt hanging in the fridge, but most of all it's the anticipation...
"is it ready yet?...when do i get to eat it !?"

goat cheese is one of my favorites of the cheese family...it's such a versatile product that can be eaten as is or as a star ingredient.
recently i came across what i am now calling my favorite dessert of the season...the year...probably in my all-time top ten.
it's a Lemon Goat Cheese Cake found at Foodbabbles.com  i was able to use some of my homemade goat cheese and, of course, it sent it to the top of the list.
i'll be posting about it soon...it is a MUST TRY !!!  please visit Kate's blog and see for yourself this wonder-treat.  she has great photos and step by step instructions for a no-fail winner.

back to the goat cheese...
there are a few ways to make your own goat cheese and i have tried these easy methods (as seen in this post) using lemon or vinegar...this is  before i knew any better..
but this method and recipe is FAR SUPERIOR !
one very important ingredient you will need is the right culture.  i found mine at a home brewing company out in Mission Viejo, CA.  there are also places to get this over the Internet...buy your rennet at a big health food store.
i've just ran out of my little packets of Mesophilic culture so i might want to try the packets available HERE at the Cheese making Company.com.  their packets contain the culture and the rennet all in one so there is no mixing and no room for error.  the beginner kit looks good, but not really necessary to get all the extras.  i was wondering how different culture will effect the out come...i'll have to get back to you on this.

there are many many many blogs and sites on how to make homemade goat cheese and some of the instructions get too involved...this is a really easy process...even i got it right the first time.

i thought who better to go-to than a woman who owns her own goats...Martha Stewart!...and she probably has some prize winning goats at that.
honestly...does she really make her own goat cheese?...or does she have someone do it for her...

HOMEMADE CHEVRE...GOAT CHEESE

found at Martha Stewart.com

this is for 1/2 the original recipe found at link above

1/2 gallon (2qts) pasteurized goat milk...NOT ultra pasteurized

1/8 tsp powdered Mesophilic DVI culture..1 used 1 packet Mesophilic MW3 from Mad Millie

1-2 drops liquid rennet

1 tsp kosher salt (or to your taste)

1. add goat milk to a large non reactive sauce pan or stock pot.  use low-medium heat until the milk reaches exactly 75 F degrees on an instant read thermometer.

2.  add the powdered culture and the liquid rennet to a small bowl.  add 2 Tbsp of the warm milk and stir until well combined (no lumps of culture).  add this small mixture to the large pot of warm goat milk.  cover and leave at room temperature overnight.  i have left it for 15-20 hours.

3.  cut the set curds across the pot and again the other way.  same as seen here in my Skyr post for Icelandic Yogurt.

set a large colander over a large pot/bowl and line with double layer cheese cloth or i prefer a nice clean square of reusable muslin.  the bowl underneath the colander must be big enough to catch quite a bit of whey that will drain.  carefully transfer the mixture into the colander.  Martha says to cover this with cheesecloth, i just covered it with a lid that fit on top of the colander.

let this set at room temperature overnight...mine sat about 15 hours.

remove from cheesecloth,  discard liquid and transfer cheese to bowl and mix in salt (and, or other flavors)...don't forget to taste test.  it's a lot easier to flavor the cheese before it is chilled and you want it to incorporate if using fresh herbs.

store in refrigerator in airtight container, ramekin or shape into log wrapping in plastic wrap.

i took 1/2 the cheese and shaped it into a log for a more spreadable cheese and the other 1/2 i kept in the muslin and let hang in the fridge for another 8 hours.  this created a more crumbly cheese.

served on crisp seeded baguette with fresh fruit and your favorite preserves makes a tasty snack or a fabulous brunch side.

You have read this article appetizer / cheese / dairy / easy / goat / savory with the title goat. You can bookmark this page URL https://caucasiancurry.blogspot.com/2011/08/chevrereal-goat-cheese.html. Thanks!

MOROCCAN GOAT STEW

well, i'm so sorry that i was away for a while with my computer problems, but i was definitely still in the kitchen trying out new savory flavors and sweet treats...i have loads of goodies to post.

let me start with this MOROCCAN GOAT STEW
 as you might guess by now, i'm always on the lookout for things a little out of the ordinary.  i came across some goat at one of my favorite markets in Irvine, CA called Wholesome Foods.  if you're lucky enough to have one in your area you should check it out.  great stuff for Middle Eastern cooking.  their produce alone is worth the trip.
as i was poking around looking for something new, i saw some fresh goat shanks...not knowing what the heck to do with it, i bought it anyway...and sooooo glad i did.

GOAT IS GOOD !

i think it tastes like a cross between lamb and beef.  the texture and flavor was fabulous.  i had to add a little beef to my recipe because i didn't have quite enough of the goat the recipe called for.  i was  surprised to find that i really liked the goat much better.  this slow cooking stew was just the right way to introduce a new meat to the party. (the "party" usually consists of ME, MYSELF and I.)  i will definitely try it again.

now with goat in my fridge i went straight to google.

luck on my side, i found this fabulous recipe at Cehun Family Recipes... Recipe.Cehun.com.

with many thanks to the Cehun Family for bringing goat to my table i have copied the recipe for you below exactly.  i usually put in some notes, but this time i did exactly as the recipe was written...i suggest you do the same because it is absolutely fabulous...no changes necessary.  one thing i would like to add is that this would lend itself to any slow cooked stew meat...lamb would be wonderful...beef was great...maybe even pork.  the base of this recipe is so delicious it's worth a try with anything you choose.  i am aware that "GOAT" is not available at every supermarket.

MOROCCAN GOAT STEW

by Damian at Recipe.cehun.com

FOR THE GOAT
1 tbspn olive oil
750g goat shoulder, cut into 4-5cm cubes
1 onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 can plum tomatoes, chopped
1 cinnamon stick
30g dried apricots, roughly chopped
pinch of saffron
goat or lamb stock or water

FOR THE SPICE MIXTURE
1 tspn ground cumin
1 tspn ground coriander
1 tspn ground ginger
1.5 tspn smoked paprika
1 tspn turmeric
Half tspn ground chilli
Salt and freshly ground pepper

TO GARNISH
4 tbspn finely chopped coriander
Half-1 tspn of Harissa paste
zest and juice of half a lemon
1 tbspn honey

SERVE WITH
300gm pumpkin, peeled, chopped into 1-2cm cubes and roasted in olive oil with a little seasoning.

METHOD
Place the olive oil in a large saucepan or casserole pan and put it over a moderate-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the onion to the pan and sweat for one minute until transparent.

Place all the spice mixture ingredients in a bowl and mix together. Toss the goat in the spices so that it is well coated.
Add the spiced goat and garlic to the pan and seal the goat on all sides so that it is browned.

Stir in the chopped tomatoes, cinnamon stick, apricots, saffron and enough stock to just cover the goat. Bring to the oil then reduce to a slow simmer. Leave the goat to cook for 1-1.5 hours or until the meat is tender, stirring regularly with a wooden spoon (add more stock or water if the liquid is below the goat). (You can do this on top of the stove or in the oven. If the stew is too watery, drain off the excess liquid into a saucepan and reduce until thickened. Then return to the stew.
Stir in 3 tblspns of the chopped coriander, harissa paste (more or less to taste), lemon zest, juice and honey.
Garnish with roasted pumpkin and scatter over remaining coriander

You have read this article beef / dinner / goat / lamb / low and slow / meats / out of the ordinary / pumpkin / stew with the title goat. You can bookmark this page URL https://caucasiancurry.blogspot.com/2010/11/moroccan-goat-stew.html. Thanks!